Regulatory Investigations Senior Specialist

We are currently recruiting for a Permanent contract. This role is hybrid, both working from home and in our Edinburgh hub. We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly between home and the hub to suit their needs and preferences, in line with our hybrid working policy. Colleagues are able to work their hours flexibly, in line with core business hours and requirements. We also offer formalised flexible working agreements. The starting salary is £54,055 per annum. To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to HRsupport@actuaries.org.uk by the closing date of 10 July 2026.

Purpose of the job

The role is to manage the handling and investigation of allegations against members of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in compliance with the IFoA's rules, legal precedents and good practice. The role may also include providing other regulatory and project management support as may be required to assist the Professional Standards Group in meeting their wider objectives.

Principal Accountabilities

• Investigations: Investigating allegations of misconduct on behalf of the IFoA in compliance with the Disciplinary Scheme and in accordance with agreed timescales. Analysing evidence gathered throughout an investigation. Preparing and signing-off Case Reports. Assisting with the prosecution of cases before the IFoA's Disciplinary Tribunal Panel, including instructing external Counsel, as required. Communicating effectively and sensitively on complex issues and procedures with all parties involved in a disciplinary investigation.
• Advice: Providing general advice to the IFoA as required in connection with the operation of the disciplinary scheme, including advising the Disciplinary Committee on policy issues. Providing advice as required to volunteer members of the Investigation Actuary Pool. Sharing knowledge of best practice with colleagues across the organisation and preparing policies, where needed. Preparing and presenting reports to relevant Boards and Committees on regulatory investigations matters, including updates and proposals for changes.
• Information Sharing: Raising issues and risks identified through regulatory investigations activity with relevant colleagues. Identifying themes and trends in relation to disciplinary matters to input into wider IFoA regulatory work. Engaging with the IFoA's oversight body, the FRC, in relation to any audits carried out as part of their annual supervision activity. Co-ordinating with relevant statutory/professional regulators, including the FRC's Actuarial Discipline team and/or relevant law enforcement agencies in relation to connected investigations/proceedings.

Main contacts

Internal contacts include: Chairs and members of the Regulatory Board and Disciplinary Committee; Regulation and Policy Area colleagues; Executive Leadership Team; Senior Leadership Team; Legal Services Team; Judicial Hearings Team. External contacts include: Respondent Actuaries; Complainants and members of the public or other members considering making an allegation; Investigation Actuaries and Chair of the Investigation Actuaries Pool; External Lawyers/Counsel; Respondents' employers; Witnesses; Regulators and other agencies including the Pensions Regulator, The Financial Conduct Authority, the Police, prosecutors, courts, other actuarial bodies, other professional bodies; Financial Reporting Council.

Decision making and complexity

The role holder is required to take decisions, exercise judgement and take responsibility for all aspects of managing their caseload in keeping with the operation of a high-quality regulatory complaints process. The role requires decisions to be made in relation to complex legal and policy issues and the exercise of sound judgement on highly confidential issues which arise during the investigation of a complaint. Allegations vary widely and it is vital that the role holder has a clear understanding of the matters in dispute, recognising that they will be investigating a number of different cases at one time. The role holder must maintain an awareness of the IFoA's professional standards and internal practices and policies, as well as external case law and precedents, which may impact on regulatory investigations matters. The role holder will be required to give advice and draft documentation which will be relied upon by the IFoA at the highest level. Discipline is subject to public scrutiny and external oversight by the Financial Reporting Council. The level of accountability in this role is significant as errors can leave the IFoA open to reputational and legal risk as well as substantial financial risk. All parties to the complaint need to be dealt with in a sensitive and professional manner.

Essential: Knowledge and experience

• Experience of managing investigations and handling relevant/comparable complaints process or caseload.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong commercial and strategic awareness.
• Able to manage own workload and prioritise effectively, yet remain flexible and deal with several ongoing issues at any one time.
• Good team worker.

Desirable

• Relevant legal qualification or experience in English/Scots Law or other comparable jurisdiction.
• Experience of working in a financial services regulatory environment.
• Experience of delivering presentations to committees/conferences.
• Project management experience.
• Experience of presenting disciplinary cases before tribunals.

Additional Dimensions

Manages a complex caseload of disciplinary investigations simultaneously, with a particular focus on more complex and sensitive complaints. Advice and documentation prepared by the role holder will be relied upon by the IFoA at the highest level, including by Boards and Committees. Subject to public scrutiny and external oversight by the Financial Reporting Council. Errors carry significant reputational, legal and financial risk to the IFoA.

Alternative format and adjustments

Any information regarding our vacancies in an alternative format. Any adjustments to support you to fully participate in any part of the application and recruitment process. Any information shared will be used only to enable us to make reasonable adjustments to support candidates to participate in the recruitment process. It will not inform selection decisions. You can reach us at HRsupport@actuaries.org.uk.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

The IFoA encourages applicants from a variety of backgrounds and experience and welcomes diversity with regard not only to protected characteristics but also diversity of thought. Diversity, equity and inclusion are more than just words for us. That’s why we are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels included and respected, and where no one is unfairly discriminated against. Consequently, we promote diversity, equity and inclusion in all our policies, practices and procedures, and actively encourage applications from a diverse range of potential candidates. All applications for our roles are considered on merit alone, and if you don’t meet all the criteria but believe you have something to offer, we want to hear from you. For more information on our commitments, please see our DEI strategy page.